Edward Charles Kaufman Memorial Scholarship Fund

Honoring a Life of Service: The Edward Charles Kaufman Memorial Scholarship Some people live quietly heroic lives — not seeking recognition, but changing the course of their communities through service, dedication, and heart. Edward (Ed) Charles Kaufman was one of those people. Ed passed away on November 22, 2023, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy deeply woven into the fabric of Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Stroudsburg, Ed was the son of Theodore and Margaret Kaufman and a proud graduate of Stroudsburg High School, Class of 1962. From an early age, he understood the value of hard work and responsibility — working for his father at Monroe Optical while attending school, and later balancing multiple jobs while serving in the Army National Guard. Ed’s life was defined by service — to his country, his community, and the people around him. While working for the National Park Service, Ed discovered his calling: helping others in moments of need. That calling led him to join the West End Ambulance Corps, where his leadership and commitment quickly became evident. He served as president of the organization and helped strengthen emergency medical response in the region. Driven by a desire to do more, Ed became one of the first paramedics in Monroe County. He played an instrumental role in developing Medic 7, a cornerstone of emergency medical services in the area, and proudly took the first medic call in the county’s history. He later retired as a lifetime member of both Medic 7 and the West End Ambulance Corps — a testament to his lasting impact. Ed’s service didn’t stop there. He also served Monroe County as a Deputy Coroner and Diener, and as a Republican council member for Chestnuthill Township, always stepping forward where help and leadership were needed. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed’s legacy lives on through his family — including his son Daniel, who followed a path of service in medicine by becoming a doctor. Together, their stories reflect a deep commitment to care, responsibility, and giving back. To honor Ed’s extraordinary life and lifelong dedication to emergency and medical services, we are raising funds to establish the Edward Charles Kaufman Memorial Scholarship. Our goal is to raise $5,000, which will be used to support students in Pennsylvania who are pursuing careers as EMTs, paramedics, or physicians. Preference will be given to students from the Pocono Mountain region, with a special focus on those who demonstrate a commitment to community service, compassion, and the desire to help others — the very values Ed embodied throughout his life. This scholarship is more than financial support. It is a way to ensure that Ed’s legacy continues — by empowering the next generation of caregivers, first responders, and medical professionals who will serve their communities with the same quiet strength and unwavering dedication. By contributing, you are not only honoring Ed Kaufman’s memory — you are helping build a future shaped by service, courage, and compassion.